Cabarrus County Schools is proud to announce Kennedy Elmore of Cox Mill High School as the 2025–2026 Beginning Teacher of the Year. A standout educator in her first year in the classroom, Elmore teaches English Language Arts and has already made a remarkable impact on her school community. 

“(During my first year) I have learned that being a great teacher is not about perfection, it is about growth,” said Elmore. “It is about recognizing that mistakes, both mine and my students’, are not failures but stepping stones towards improvement. The best thing a new teacher can do is embrace the journey of learning alongside their students: Reflect, adapt, and give yourself grace. The goal is not to have all of the answers from the start, but striving to find them together.  

“Teaching is not about standing in front of the classroom and delivering knowledge. It is about guiding, supporting, and learning alongside students as they discover their own capabilities. This realization has shaped me into a more reflective, compassionate, and effective educator, and it is a lesson I will carry with me throughout my career.  

At Cox Mill, Elmore is recognized for her ability to connect with students, her innovative instruction, and her reflective approach to growth. After noticing her students struggled with an early assessment, she took the initiative to redesign her instructional strategies—integrating targeted test-taking skills, color-coded literary analysis, peer collaboration, and deeper writing feedback. Her efforts led to not only higher scores but increased student confidence and engagement. 

“Kennedy exemplifies the kind of teacher every student deserves—thoughtful, adaptable, and deeply committed to learning,” said Cox Mill Principal Christopher Myers. “She brings both heart and strategy into the classroom, creating a space where students feel challenged, supported, and a sense of belonging.” 

A graduate of North Carolina State University, Elmore earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Secondary Education in December 2023.